George Town, at the southern end of the Exuma Chain in the Bahamas, is one of the most popular cruising destinations in all of the Bahamas. Every winter, more than 300 cruising boats gather in the large, fairly well protected anchorages around Stocking Island to spend a few months in the mild climate while exploring the beaches and socializing with the cruising community. Many long-time cruisers come to George Town year after year.
But, George Town is changing and not all of the denizens are happy about it. Big mooring fields with buoys that cost up to $38 a night now occupy favorite anchorages. Plus, a new beach club is being built at Sand Dollar Beach further gentrifying this pristine stretch of the island.
Across the bay in George Town proper, a new jetty is being installed off the Exuma Yacht Club that will make the marina more secure in the usual easterly winds. But, still, it’s all getting a bit too modern and civilized for many GT veterans.
Erica Laroche, a long-term liveaboard and digital nomad, spells out just what is changing in George Town in a recent edition of Practical Sailor. Read more here.